I'm glad I went to the Ferguson protest march in Houston this evening.There was a cross section of people and what seemed to be many students from the U. of Houston and Texas Southern. The police were for the most part restrained. The issue is more than Michael Brown. Though he matters a great deal. It's the entire economic and justice system. Stuff is broken.

The terrible turnout in the election this month was a vote of no confidence for how our country is going. I did my bit today even though it was a bit tense at times. I'd ask people to please consider what they can do outside their comfort zone. It's clear that things are messed up in this country and that we can't count on our political leaders for solutions.Please read all of NeilAquino.com

I don't know what will happen in Ferguson later this evening--Any violence would not be helpful--but American history is seeped in violence. We've had hundreds of years of terroristic violence by many whites towards blacks and people of color. These are the facts. As we debate eliminating health care for millions over 4 words and as we see our political process bought by secret money, there is no point in holding back about what is stake in our current political and cultural conflicts. We need to ask sharp questions about the direction of the nation & we need to start asking about how we are going to defend ourselves.Please read all of NeilAquino.com

In addition to a prompt, thorough, independent and impartial investigation into allegations that police shot dead an unarmed teenager in Missouri, an investigation into the use of heavy-handed tactics to disperse a wave of protests in the wake of the shooting must be launched without delay, Amnesty International said."What is now urgently needed are thorough investigations, not further inflammation, of the incredibly tense situation in the aftermath of Michael Brown being shot dead," said Steve Hawkins, Executive Director at Amnesty International USA."Any police officer suspected of having committed unlawful acts must be held to account through effective investigation and, where warranted, prosecution.""Using excessive force to quell protests is unacceptable. Police in Ferguson must conform to the US Constitution and international standards on the use of force and firearms. Residents must be allowed to peacefully exercise their right to freedom of expression and journalists must not be prevented from carrying out their work."...............